How to remove fixed shelf from base cupboard to create double laundry hamper?

salbra69

Hello there,

I'd love some advice and guidance please.

Our laundry base cupboards comprise (L to R) 1 x double door with laundry sink inset atop, 1 x double door with fixed shelf and 1 x single door with fixed shelf.

I would really like to alter the middle cupboard and install a double pull out laundry hamper set up behind those doors, but I don't know if it's advisable/possible to remove that fixed shelf. How are they fixed in place during construction? Glued and clamped maybe?? I've looked and there are no screws or fittings visible for thd shelf on sides or back wall of cupboard

I'd really appreciate any help and advice that you fabulously talented folk can offer. MANY THANKS 😊

Photos attached - excuse the clutter and disarray pls

MitchellMc

Hi @salbra69,

If your cabinet is similar to our flatpack cabinetry, the fixed shelf typically isn’t glued in place. Instead, it’s usually secured with fixing screws driven through the side panels and sometimes the rear panel of the cabinet into the edges of the shelf. That’s why you might not see any visible screws from inside the cupboard.

Structurally, there shouldn’t be any issues with removing the shelf to create space for a double pull-out laundry hamper. The challenge is usually accessing those screws.

If the benchtop hasn’t been glued down, you might be able to remove the screws that fix the cabinet to the underside of the benchtop. From there, you could also remove the kickboard below (these are often held in place with screws or clips) and slide the cabinet out from under the benchtop. That would give you access to the screws through the side and rear panels so you could simply remove them and take the shelf out.

However, the more common scenario is that the cabinet can’t easily be removed or the screws aren’t accessible. In that case, many handypersons will cut through the shelf and knock it out with a mallet. This will leave the fixing screws protruding from the cabinet sides and rear. Those can then be trimmed flush with a multi-tool.

Once removed, you could fill any damaged areas with timber filler and paint them, or an easier option can be installing a thin timber edging bead on the sides and rear of the cabinet to hide the screw holes and then painting it white.

That should give you the clear space needed to install your pull-out hamper system.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell